sinus infection vs omicron
Depsite COVID Omicron being milder, January 2022 was one of the deadliest months our country has ever seen. The omicron variant of the coronavirus has surged in the U.K. and is now dominant in the U.S. as well. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { So how are respiratory diseases like this diagnosed? All Rights Reserved. Allergies and sinus infections can have similar symptoms. A commuter masks up for a bus ride in Liverpool, England. ), "The risk is not zero," says Xu's colleague Davis, speaking of omicron. You dont ever treat with antibiotics unless its been more than 10 to 14 days because, in that situation, you may have a bacterial infection, Dr. Ruff says. For example, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are more likely with COVID-19, while facial pain is more specific to a sinus infection. The variant looked wildly different from earlier versions of the coronavirus and it quickly became clear that these mutations gave omicron an uncanny ability to sidestep our vaccines and spread very rapidly. One of the key differences is the itchiness of your eyes and skin that can occur with allergies, as well as the thick, yellow or green . You have a stiff neck or swelling around the eyes. And most of all, does this variant cause less severe disease than the variants that have come before it? Whereas antibiotics will not work for viral cases, they may be prescribed in bacterial cases. To help alleviate your symptoms, stock up on nonprescription pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants and cough drops. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. For example, an omicron infection may lead to complications of an existing condition such as diabetes or heart failure. However, if your doctor thinks your sinus infection is bacteria-related, they may prescribe an antibiotic. Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. Now amidst the Omicron-wave of infections hitting vaccinated and unvaccinated alike, it is clear in our practice we are seeing a lot of exacerbations of sinus infections. The exception is if youve never been diagnosed with allergies before or if your allergies seem to be getting worse. All rights reserved. These cases may require additional treatment or surgery. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Typically, the loss of sense of smell associated with a sinus infection is going to be accompanied by more significant symptoms such as facial pain/pressure. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The primary symptoms of sinus infections include: In a majority of cases, sinus infections resolve as your bodys immune system attacks and destroys the infecting pathogens. ", 3 Allergies are also treated with antihistamines. Treat early sinus infection symptoms with rest, hydration and over-the-counter sprays and decongestants. The latest from Ohio State Health & Discovery delivered right to your inbox. As more mucus is produced, buildup occurs and provides a place for bacteria to grow, which leads to infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. Most of these patients retained their sense of smell and had disease course taht was brief 3 days or so. To help prevent sinus infections, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, wear a mask in indoor public places and in a crowd whether youre indoors or outdoors. Sinus infection is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. The severe sore throat is often still. "The difference was huge," says data scientist Rong Xu, who led the study and is also at Case Western Reserve University. Is it a cold or sinus infection? There's now data indicating just how severe its symptoms might be. A sinus infection can take several days to improve, but sometimes youll need prescription medications until you start feeling better at all. Your source for health, wellness, innovation and discovery news from the experts at Ohio State. An Ohio State expert explains what to expect. If they have mild to moderate illness and can stay home, but they have certain medical comorbidities, an antiviral treatment may be offered. otolaryngology-assoc.com/our_services/allergies__sinusitis.aspx, newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pay-close-attention-to-symptoms-to-determine-if-cause-is-sinus-infection-or-allergies/, health.clevelandclinic.org/cold-really-sinus-infection-tell/, acaai.org/allergies/types/sinus-infection, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17701-sinusitis, Sinus Infection (Sinusitis): What It Is, Symptoms, and More, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP. So its important to wait and see how long your symptoms last. All Rights Reserved. This can mean a cold or infection that's progressing. For example, if you have seasonal allergies to pollen, avoid going outdoors when the counts are at their highest. "What we're seeing is something really tips these patients over the edge," says Roberts. sore throat. Three that have gained attention are nausea, night sweats and lower back pain. The omicron subvariant of COVID-19, BA.5, became one of the dominant strains of the virus in the fall of 2022 in the U.S. At that time, it was the most easily spread strain to date and is able to evade immunity from COVID infection and vaccination. While you can take an at-home COVID-19 test, these are not 100% accurate. Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus infection. These observations also line up with lab research that shows omicron does not replicate in lung tissue as well as delta. Sinusitis generally lasts longer than a cold; while cases can resolve within 10 days, symptoms can last up to a month. COVID-19 lasts for about a week or two depending on its severity and your overall health. Despite their overlap, there are some notable differences between sinus infections and COVID-19 as well. But Roberts says it's still quite rare for people who are vaccinated and boosted to get seriously ill from omicron. "Instead, Omicron is causing more upper respiratory symptoms." Omicron is not. They can run tests to determine whether or not you have COVID, a sinus infection, or another condition. If you know youre allergic to pollen and that pollen season is around the corner, start taking your antihistamine ahead of time. "I've seen a lot more people reporting fatigue as one of their main symptoms," he said. What to Know About Fibromyalgia and COVID-19, Antigen vs. Antibody: Differences and COVID-19 Testing. Discover how doctors determine whether your sinus infection is viral or bacterial. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. This common infection requires antibiotics. "Cough is still part of the symptoms," Moreno said. While COVID cases are dropping in certain areas, the pandemic isn't over and Omicron is still infecting thousands of people daily. But as with any variant of SARS-CoV-2, your absolute risk depends on many factors, including whether you're vaccinated and boosted, your age, your overall health and your economic situation. So some of this lower risk could be because of vaccination, but the data altogether suggests that there is a reduced risk for hospitalization with the omicron variant compared with the delta variant. Itchy, Red Eyes? They're napping more.". A sinus infection that lasts for months is chronic sinusitis, which can be caused by an infection or growths in the nasal cavity. Learn more about what yellow, green, brown, black, and red. Allergy Cough vs. COVID Cough: What Are the Differences? Still, these two conditions have different causes and symptoms. "Their symptoms are resolved. At the same time, it appears anecdotally at least that certain symptoms show up more with omicron than they did with delta. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { COVID-19 quarantine and isolation. This article covers the key similarities and differences between the common cold and sinus infection, as well as what care looks like for these respiratory diseases. Distinguishing between the common cold and sinus infections can be challenging for patients and healthcare providers alike. While it's welcome news that omicron is easier on the lungs, ProHEALTH's Griffin says it's not that way for some of his patients. After all, COVID-19 is running rampant throughout the world and loss of sense of smell is one of the signs of infection. Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Find our most recent COVID-19 articles here, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, What its like to get an X-ray, and how to prepare, Cardiologist changing the way we care for womens cardiovascular health, Five signs of heart disease that show up in the bedroom. Another difference doctors are noticing: Loss of smell and taste considered a telltale sign of COVID-19 is not nearly as common with omicron infections. Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus infection. COVID-19 is also causing loss of smell in most-if-not-all patients for a short time (some patients have been slow to recover). The rapid ones are getting better and better as far as accuracy goes. The only way to know what you have for sure is to see a healthcare provider. COVID-19 and sinus infections both involve the respiratory system. Doctors treat viral and bacterial sinus infectionsverydifferently. However, if you develop severe illness, you may need to receive medical care in the hospital. Colds are more common than sinus infections and symptoms tend to improve quicker. COVID-19 is an infection caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. These include: The best way to treat COVID-19 depends on how sick a person is. Another factor in appropriate treatment is a person's risk factors for severe disease. The rise of the Omicron variant has only made the situation more complex. After youve tested, call your primary care doctor to schedule an in-person or virtual visit. But you're pushing more and more and more toward the omicron variant," says Davis, who contributed to the study. An X-ray can be the first line of defense for a health care provider to show whats happening inside your body. ", RELATED: Secret Weight Loss Tricks to Melt Visceral Fat, Science Says, 4 As with sinus infections, symptom management as your body develops immunity and fights off the infection is central to care. Omicron seems to cause LESS loss of smell due to reduced affinity for the nerve endings! A sinus infection occurs when the fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses) and encourages the growth of germs. Severe allergies can lead to a cold-like condition called allergic rhinitis. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID. Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing,. In most cases, they resolve without the need for medical care. Additionally, some people who have COVID do not have any symptoms. Cardiology, Health Disparities, Heart and Vascular Health, Heart Attacks, Research, Women's Health. Lately, he said, people who received a booster shot reported shorter bouts of illness than those who received fewer doses or none at all. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. With omicron, the symptoms also come on more quickly once you're infected. Simply because the Omicron variant is new, there's little research about its link to long COVID, the physical, neurological, and cognitive symptoms that can persist indefinitely after infection. Some of the most common symptoms include a sinus headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing. Many patients with this kind of persisting head pain may benefit from migraine medications or those used to block neural signals upstream of nerve endings. In March, before Delta was detected and vaccines were widely available, 60% of UK adults ages 16 to 65 on the Zoe app reported loss of smell at some point in their illness. We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. Youll need to take the full prescription, even if you start feeling better within a day or two. What to Do If You Get a Positive At-Home COVID-19 Test Result, What to Know About Pneumonia and COVID-19. Its also possible to feel foggy and develop a skin rash. Feminine Odor Problems? Sinuses are the hollow spaces in the bones of your face that are usually filled with air. A bacterial sinus infection will last seven to 10 days or longer and may get worse after a week. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new virus that causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and, in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. While the data doesn't distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated people, 70% of the UK population has had at least two vaccine doses as of Thursday. Aside from OTC medications, you will want to get plenty of rest and fluids, eat nutrient-rich foods, and keep yourself away from other people until your symptoms have subsided. The omicron variant of the coronavirus has surged in the U.K. and is now dominant in the U.S. as well. Youre experiencing changes in vision or mental function. Occurring in an estimated 11.6% of American adults, these infections of the nasal passages tend to be more severe. If your allergies have you particularly congested, they might also prescribe a decongestant. } else { In general, people are contagious for two to three days before COVID-19 symptoms start. Omicron vs. Allergy Symptoms Though COVID-19 and allergies are caused by significantly different thingsthe SARS-CoV-2 virus and airborne substances like pollen, respectivelythe two can. As one of the largest academic health centers and health sciences campuses in the nation, we are uniquely positioned with renowned experts covering all aspects of health, wellness, science, research and education. Heres what you need to know about both kinds of infections and how to treat them. A study published online on Jan. 2 provides some of the first compelling evidence from the U.S. that the chance of ending up in the hospital is lower with omicron compared with the delta variant. If youre not feeling well, talk to your doctor or find one near you. Its also possible to have both conditions at the same time. Therefore, preventing a sinus infection often means trying to avoid the illnesses that usually precede it. } Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. Allergy and sinus infection treatments share some similarities and differences. A sinus infection, sinusitis, occurs when your sinuses become inflamedand blocked. So how can you tell the difference? You are not the only one! A runny nose and sneezing, congestion, and sore throat are a few symptoms that can pop up if you have . This fits with early data from the U.K. showing that fever and cough are not as prevalent with omicron cases there and that the five top symptoms are runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and sore throat. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. And just like earlier variants, omicron can't be defined as causing only a narrow group of symptoms. "Stress not only changes our ability to ward off illness but also decreases our ability to do things that keep us healthy, including getting plenty of sleep, eating well, and exercising. A sinus infection can happen after a viral illness but can also be caused by allergies. I have seen more patients with lingering sinusitis after Omicron COVID than prior variants. Then check in with your doctor for a prescription and let him or her know if your condition worsens. A diet rich in antioxidants can help with chronic inflammation. If you have a sinus infection that is not going away, talk to your doctor about medications and other treatments that can bring you relief. Still, doctors have noticed a clear gradient of symptoms based on a person's vaccination status. For example, the virus that causes the common cold attacks the lining of your sinuses and causes them to swell up. The two conditions can have symptoms that overlap, but some symptoms are more likely to occur in one and not the other. As we enter the second winter season of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can still be confusing trying to tell the difference between winter allergies and COVID symptoms. Some patients of course are much more ill, with about 5 to 10% needing hospital care, and for those patients sinus infection or ear symptoms may go untreated for longer. That's why, she says, everyone should be vaccinated and boosted. He added, "It's not as bad as it was." Additionally, if you have any symptoms which are in any way associated with COVID-19, you should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding testing and quarantining and contact your healthcare provider. Symptoms of a sinus infection may also include dental pain, bad breath, green or yellow mucus, and facial pain. Sinus infections can also cause loss of sense of taste or smell, higher fever, fatigue, and aches in the body. There are several ways to treat a sinus infection. < Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital Closing,
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